Talking Smooth Jazz

Guitarist Eddie Benitez returns with a brand new album called Forbidden Dreams.

Gary’s funky soulful pocket and world percussion voice have allowed him to share the stage with some of the most legendary and in demand artist of our time including live performances with: Elements (Gary’s Band), Paul Jackson (The Headhunters), Frank McComb, Jackiem Joyner, Al Jarreau and more.  We will talk to Gary about his current album Takin It Back, which pays respect with a tribute to some of the greatest song writers and performers of our time! (They do a killer cover of Sade's "Somebody Already Broke My Heart.")

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Ms. Chantel Aktins, the CEO and Owner of The Rhythmic Lounge. The Rhythmic Lounge was created in order to open the doors for up and coming “artists”and “entertainers” of all kinds and to give people a place to promote their talents and network.

Former guitarist for Earth, Wind & Fire, Sheldon Reynolds returns with a new album, Let There Be Love.

Multi-talented contemporary jazz, neo~fusion, R&B, nu~soul guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and recording studio engineer David P. Stevens, returns with a new cd called Epiphany.  Epiphany is 13 tracks of great contemporary jazz, neo~fusion, R&B, & nu~soul featuring Gerald Albright, Tesa Williams, Frank McComb, & others. ?

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Hidden Beach Recording Artist Jeff Bradshaw to talk about his new cd, Bone Appetit.

Douyé continues her musical journey as she currently works on her sophomore music project, set to be released this year. “My goal is to capture the passion I feel for my artistry and be able to fully express depth and veracity in my performances as I connect with the world.” The Nigerian born songstress sound is inviting, soulful and captivating. The first single from Douyé’s sophomore project is titled “Life Is Good” has been gaining attention both in the United States and in Europe; the song is climbing up the Uk Soul Chart and consistent spinning radio stations. “I look forward to how my fans will react to this project compared to my debut project. I believe that great things will come out of this experience.”  

Saxophonist Shannon Kennedy returns with a new cd called, Behind Your Eyes, her fifth since her debut in 2005—is a remarkably sophisticated and diverse collection of mostly vocal music.

Pianist Chris Geith and Trumpeter David Wells have teamed up together to create a new cd called, No Side Effects.

An alternative photographer and fine artist, Bettie Grace Miner creates art pieces that combine photography and painting techniques. Miner’s creative roots originally began in music, evolving into the fine arts. A lover of music, Miner began a series of jazz art spanning seven years and culminating into more than one hundred images of jazz artists and music inspired art. Exhibits, limited edition prints, posters, Giclees, collectible books and more have brought the faces of contemporary jazz musicians to fans worldwide. Miner creates art featured by numerous jazz and blues festivals benefiting national charities. Her dedication to children’s causes, environmental, wildlife, and art programs has been a heartfelt and ongoing ambition.

It's the second time around for Ervin "EP" Pope, and his sophomore project, "INFECTIOUS", is spreading like wildfire. A slightly different flavor from his first project ("With These Hands"), this mix is every bit as tasteful and sure to please any music enthusiast. In a true testament to his diversity as an artist, Pope manages to incorporate many genres of music yet maintain a Smooth Jazz essence. From the delicate tickling of the ivories to the intensity of the lead guitar, several instruments, instrumental and vocal tracks - he strikes a fine balance between traditional jazz, contemporary/smooth jazz, easy listening, R&B, pop, rock, soul, gospel, and even a hint of hip hop. It's smooth, it soothes, it pops, it sizzles, it rocks, and it bops. The instrumentalists and vocalists on this project are top-notch. With musical influences like George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Kenny G, Dave Koz, Walter Beasley, Wayman Tisdale, and Branford Marsalis, Ervin Pope's "INFECTIOUS" will fit right in to your collection of Jazz favorites.

One of the founding members of the super group Fourplay, Bob James is a two-time Grammy Award-winning smooth jazz keyboardist, arranger and producer.  Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first solo album, Bold Conceptions, that year for Mercury Records. 58 albums and innumerable awards would follow through five decades.  Bob talks to the Jazz Queen about Fourplay's new cd, Esprit De Four.

Since the release of his debut album No Words in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has made him the best-selling solo piano artist of our time.  His signature style has brought him six Gold and Platinum albums, 30 charted adult radio hits, and two Grammy nominations.  His best-known compositions include the chart-toppers "Valentine," "The Gift," "Love of My Life," "Simple Things" and "Peace."  We welcome Jim Brickman to talk about his latest project, Believe. 

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes saxophonist Delton Walker to talk about his current cd, Back In Your Arms Again.  This release by Delton is a smooth laid back approach with a major R and B and Neo-Soul feel to it. It was produced to lift ones spirits with its melodic tones leaving you tapping your feet and snapping your fingers long after the CD is over.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Brandon Barbee, trumpeter/arranger, composer, trumpet instructor and improvisation instructor based out of Hampton Road, VA.  His new EP "Breathe" was produced by saxophonist Martin Blockson.